Cleveden given Royal seal of Approval

A ground breaking initiative to prepare young people for the world of work was given a royal seal of approval by HRH The Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex on Wednesday, November 24th.

His Royal Highness met young people undertaking a new skills initiative which is part of a wider partnership between ScottishPower, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the DofE), and Glasgow City Council.

‘Skills in Energy’ is specifically targeted at apprentices taking part in Glasgow City Council’s Commonwealth Apprenticeship Initiative who are doing their DofE. It offers young people (aged 14-24) an understanding of the energy sector and how electricity is produced, transported and managed in a safe, efficient manner.

HRH The Earl of Wessex was able to see the seven bright sparks involved with the partnership in action as they demonstrated some of their new electrical skills, including basic wiring installation, drawing cables, as well as circuit testing.

The apprentices are also currently being supported through their training by Tigers Ltd and construction firm Carillion.

During his visit to Stow College in Glasgow, The Earl of Wessex also met with DofE participants and volunteers from Cleveden Secondary School, and Soccer Success, a programme developed by Glasgow City Council targeting young people who have become disengaged with school.

To conclude his visit, the Royal visitor presented new DofE Centre certificates to Cleveden Secondary School, Tigers Ltd, Soccer Success and ScottishPower.

Ann Loughrey, Head of CSR at ScottishPower, said: “We are committed to improving the life chances and employability of young people and our partnership with the DofE is already having a positive impact on communities throughout the UK, most especially Glasgow.

“A key focus of our partnership with the DofE will be to give young people the opportunity to acquire valuable vocational and life skills for the world of work.

“We are delighted that HRH The Earl of Wessex has been able to spend time with the apprentices today to find out how the skills and experience they are learning is making a real difference to them and their outlook.”

Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, said: “We are delighted with how well our partnership with ScottishPower is really impacting the skills and life chances of young people and benefitting communities in Glasgow.“

Young people who are doing their DofE and who are interested in the energy sector can undertake the Skills in Energy module as part of their DofE programme.

Skills in Energy enables young people to understand the importance of using a variety of different ways of creating electricity. It introduces them to the latest technology to support the demand for electricity and the impact on the environment. In addition to this it increases their understanding of the different careers that exist for them in the energy sector and the skills required to help them get there.